What Does Hail Damage Look Like?

As we discussed before in an article dedicated to storm damage, the full impact of nasty weather isn’t always obvious. You may circle the house looking for branches on the roof, missing shingles, or other blatant signs of trouble, and that’s a good practice! But, it’s important to be aware of the more subtle bumps and bruises too.

This is never more true than after a hailstorm.

Sure, hail can sometimes reach sizes that are truly terrifying, but even the smaller varieties can do a number on your home. If the problems aren’t caught and documented right away, you’re opening the window to larger issues while closing your opportunity to be compensated by your insurance company.

Before we get started, we should also add that we never recommend climbing on your roof yourself. The inspections we list below are, in many cases, best left for a professional with the necessary safety equipment, training, and experienced eye.

Signs of Hail Damage on a Shingled Roof

Here are a few basic signs of damage to watch for:

Dislodged granules - If the surface coating has been knocked loose, your shingles have sustained a serious impact.

Cracking

Bruising - This will look like an indentation, or divot, in the surface.

Even if the shingle is still in place and seems secure, this compromised integrity can lead to water intrusion and further issues.

PRO TIP:

Are you familiar with hail spatter? When hail isn’t quite compact enough to form an ice ball, it results in a smudge at the point of impact. This spatter doesn’t cause damage in most cases, but it’s a good indicator that hail made an appearance and you should check for any other issues.

Which Surfaces Should You Check After a Hailstorm?

Your roof, as we touched on above

Sky lights

Chimney caps

Roof vents

Gutters/downspouts

Decks

AC units

Windows and window casings

Talk To a Local Roofer Who Specializes in Storm Damage Repair

Here at RoofPRO, our Insurance Restoration Division is trained to help you identify any damage that may leave your home vulnerable. We would be happy to help you communicate with your insurance company as well.